inDrive launches quick commerce in Pakistan as first step toward super app 

Ride-hailing platform inDrive has expanded beyond transport services in Pakistan with the launch of quick commerce, marking the first phase of its plan to build a multi-service “super app.” Pakistan is the second market after Kazakhstan where the company is rolling out the strategy.

Dawn reported, citing company officials, that Pakistan was selected early due to its large population, widespread access to low-cost internet, and inDrive’s existing scale in the local ride-hailing market, where usage remains relatively low compared with overall population size.

Nurken Rzaliyev, head of Q-Commerce Services at inDrive, said the decision was also based on the availability of a grocery business with operational capacity to partner on last-mile delivery. The initial rollout is focused on Karachi, where the partner’s operations are already concentrated.

The company said Karachi was chosen despite logistical and infrastructure challenges, with the aim of testing sustainability and profitability before expanding to Lahore and the twin cities. More than 90% of the partner’s current business is based in Karachi, according to inDrive.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Arsen Tomsky said inDrive typically enters markets where users and drivers face high commissions, price volatility and limited choice. He said the platform operates on lower commissions, generally ranging between 8 and 12%.

While the quick commerce partnership remains subject to regulatory approvals, inDrive has already begun marketing activities. The company said the move aligns with its longer-term goal of becoming a one-stop digital platform, while also expanding opportunities in the gig economy at a time of high unemployment.